BHUBANESWAR: Speakers at the national seminar hosted by Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack in collaboration with UNICEF on February 17 and 18 highlighted the importance of nutrition-based solutions to check lifestyle diseases.
Many academicians, nutritionists, health professionals, researchers, students from different states participated in the programme held the hybrid mode.
The event commenced with chief guest Kaliprasanna Mohapatra, Director of Higher Education, Government of Odisha in presence of the delegates, alumni and students.
He shared his views over the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases and lauded the importance of nutrition-focused initiatives, emphasizing that such seminars are vital for raising awareness and combating these health challenges.
Prashant Dash, Chief of UNICEF Odisha, spoke about the impact of malnutrition, particularly its devastating effects on children, while Professor Dr. Sunil Agrawal of Shishu Bhavan emphasised the necessity of nutritious food to shield children from preventable diseases.
Dr. Richa S. Pandey, nutrition specialist at UNICEF India, shared insights into UNICEF’s global initiatives aimed at addressing malnutrition. Sourav Bhattacharjee, nutrition specialist, UNICEF Odisha, said that this seminar would serve as a guiding force for future generations in making healthier dietary choices.
Professor Sanjeeb K. Sahoo from the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, deliberated on cancer exploring the intersection of nutrition and lifestyle diseases.
Dr. Subhendu S. Acharya, scientist at the Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sahu, nutrition specialist at UNICEF Odisha, provided valuable perspectives during their presentations.
The inaugural session was chaired by College Principal Jeevan Ballav Jena, while Dr. Ajanta Nayak, HoD, Home Science, highlighted the first plenary session.
The second day of the seminar saw rigorous discussions, with the plenary session featuring Dr. M. J. Baig, Retd. Director, CRRI, Cuttack who presented a paper on Black & brown rice nutrition and its importance on health.
The first technical session of the day was chaired by Dr. Sugata Roy, Consultant at UNICEF. Professor Sarita Anand from Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, spoke about the relationship between lifestyle diseases and nutrition.
The third technical session, chaired by Professor Ansuman Samal and Dr. Lalat Indu Mishra from Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, discussed nutrition-based solutions for combating lifestyle diseases.